Over-65s 'are not restricted by insurance policy choice'

Older expatriates and frequent travellers are not overly restricted by their choice of insurance policy, according to Defaqto.

Mike Powell, insight analyst on general insurance for the financial firm, said research published by Which? Money was not representative of the wider market.

The consumer magazine found that over-65s were being penalised with considerably more expensive premiums on travel insurance, and that many firms refuse to even offer quotes.

However, Mr Powell said Defaqto's own research shows a different story.

"We've just done a report on travel insurance, looking at 290 single trip policies and 322 annual trip policies. Within that, 30 per cent of the single trip market covers age 80 or over, and 11 per cent of the annual trip."

He explained that premiums are high but the market is not as restricted as Which? Money makes out. There are "quite a number" of companies that will cater for particular age groups on the market, Mr Powell added.

The Which? Money research found just five out of the 98 policies surveyed covered people aged 80 or over.